"We have every intention of being as additive as possible to this space. I think change in general is uncomfortable, and I think in nonprofit work there can be an aversion to change and aversion to risk. And as much as possible, it's our job to show why we are not something to be afraid of." – Ben Collier Many nonprofits are launched in response to a pressing problem. Yet so many struggle to address those problems effectively. The key to nonprofit success lies in their ability to offer viable solutions rather than simply managing the problem.  That’s the mindset that drives Ben Collier's work at FarmLink, an innovative organization bridging the gap between the food waste and hunger in the US. Each year, 40% of food grown in the US goes to waste. At the same time, 34 million Americans face food insecurity. Food banks play a crucial role in addressing hunger. But their capacity is limited. That's where FarmLink is stepping in, connecting surplus produce with those in need. By adding a simple step to the process chain, FarmLink is helping end both food waste and insecurity. In this bonus Camp Redwood Sessions episode, Ben Collier shares how FarmLink was founded out of a pandemic-era passion project—and the transformations it has experienced to turn it into a thriving nonprofit. Ben also reflects on his personal growth as a young CEO and the organization’s steep learning curves over the past few years. We’ll learn how FarmLink fits into the food conservation cycle and how they’re working to put a stop to the social stigma around food accessibility and solve hunger in America. Contents 1 - FarmLink’s origin and pandemic-era roots 2 - Transitioning from a college project to a nonprofit foundation 3 - Ben’s leadership experience and evolution 4 - How FarmLink fits into the food donation ecosystem 5 - Ben’s outlook on change and innovation in the industry 6 - FarmLink’s philosophy on social stigma around food assistance LinksHistoric AgencyThe Farmlink ProjectBen Collier on LinkedInAbundance: The Farmlink StoryCulture Built My Brand Mentioned in this episode: Presented by Classy Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.